Part 8/12:
The Mets are expected to leverage their financial strength — owned by Steve Cohen, who has shown willingness to be aggressive — to pursue creative contract structures. Short-term, high-AAV deals with opt-outs seem to be the preferred approach, especially for players like Bregman and Bellinger who are seeking multi-year stability but still want the flexibility of opting out during their contracts.
For example, signing Bregman or Bellinger on a five-year deal with opt-outs after each season could work well, allowing the Mets to manage their payroll while still aiming for high-impact wins. Cohen's willingness to eat salary and future contract costs provides a distinct advantage in these negotiations.